U.S. patent application number 16/972359 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for drive technology for vehicle treatment installations, in particular washing installations.
The applicant listed for this patent is OTTO CHRIST AG. Invention is credited to Markus CHRIST.
Application Number | 20210170996 16/972359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005418625 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRIST; Markus |
June 10, 2021 |
DRIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR VEHICLE TREATMENT INSTALLATIONS, IN PARTICULAR
WASHING INSTALLATIONS
Abstract
A drive technology for vehicle treatment installations. The
drive technology comprises a washing installation drive motor (2)
for a vehicle treatment system (69). The washing installation drive
motor (2) is preferably configured as a synchronous motor, in
particular as a brushless DC motor. The drive motor (2) has an
internal rotor (3) with a hollow shaft (5). As an alternative, or
in addition, the washing installation drive motor (2) is configured
as a modular drive unit (7). The modular drive unit (7) has a
uniform configuration and is provided and configured for driving
different apparatus constituent parts of a washing installation.
The drive technology further includes a washing installation drive
(1), a treatment element (52, 55, 57, 64) and also a vehicle
treatment system (60) with a corresponding washing installation
drive motor (2), and an associated operating method.
Inventors: |
CHRIST; Markus; (Memmingen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OTTO CHRIST AG |
Benningen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005418625 |
Appl. No.: |
16/972359 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
June 6, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/064878 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 2213/12 20130101;
B60S 3/042 20130101; B60S 3/06 20130101; H02K 21/12 20130101; H02K
5/15 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60S 3/06 20060101
B60S003/06; B60S 3/04 20060101 B60S003/04; H02K 5/15 20060101
H02K005/15; H02K 21/12 20060101 H02K021/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2018 |
DE |
20 2018 103 154.6 |
Claims
1-65. (canceled)
66. A washing installation drive motor for a vehicle treatment
installation, wherein the washing installation drive motor is
configured as a brushless DC synchronous motor, the washing
installation drive motor comprising: an external rotor forming a
power take-off element.
67. A washing installation drive motor according to claim 66,
further comprising an internal rotor with a hollow shaft.
68. A washing installation drive motor according to claim 67,
wherein a cavity of the hollow shaft has at least one front opening
and one rear opening, which are each freely accessible towards both
ends, in the axial direction of the washing installation drive
motor.
69. A washing installation drive motor in accordance with claim 66,
further comprising a rotary position detection device comprising at
least one of: an integrated Hall sensor; and a detection device
configured to determine a rotary position of the washing
installation drive motor based on a comparison of momentary supply
currents.
70. A washing installation drive motor in accordance with claim 66,
wherein the washing installation drive motor is configured as a
modular drive unit with a uniform construction and configured for
driving different apparatus constituent parts of a washing
installation.
71. A washing installation drive motor in accordance with claim 66,
further comprising an internal rotor and a internal rotor flange
area connected permanently to the internal rotor, wherein the
internal rotor flange area projects in an axial direction over the
housing of the washing installation drive motor at one end of the
washing installation drive motor and one of: only one external
rotor flange area of the external rotor is provided at another end;
and each of an external flange area of the external rotor and a
further internal rotor flange area of the internal rotor are
arranged adjacent to one another in the radial direction and are
arranged at another end.
72. A washing installation drive motor in accordance with claim 66,
further comprising: a main terminal for a drive motor power supply;
and an auxiliary terminal for a further drive motor, the further
drive motor being arranged as a succeeding or preceding connected
motor stage.
73. A washing installation drive motor in accordance with claim 66,
further comprising an internal rotor, wherein the internal rotor
has a respective flange area at both axial ends, each flange area
being arranged rigidly in relation to one another.
74. A washing installation drive motor in accordance with claim 66,
wherein the external rotor has a flange area at an axial end
75. A washing installation drive comprising: a washing installation
drive motor for a vehicle treatment installation, wherein the
washing installation drive motor is configured as a brushless DC
synchronous motor, the washing installation drive motor comprising
an external rotor forming a power take-off element; and a
controllable power supply.
76. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 75,
further comprising an internal rotor with a hollow shaft.
77. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 76,
further comprising an actuator arranged in the hollow shaft,
wherein at least one of: the actuator is configured to be driven
directly or indirectly by supply currents or by a magnetic field of
the washing installation drive motor; and the washing installation
drive further comprises a brake or a blocking device and the
actuator is an actuator for actuating the brake or the blocking
device.
78. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 75,
further comprising a further washing installation drive motor for
the vehicle treatment installation, wherein the further washing
installation drive motor is configured as a brushless DC
synchronous motor, the further washing installation drive motor
comprising a further motor external rotor forming a further power
take-off element, wherein the controllable power supply is a common
power supply connected to each of the washing installation drive
motor and the further washing installation drive motor and is
configured to regulate each of the washing installation drive motor
and the further washing installation drive motor in terms of speed
and/or rotational position.
79. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 78,
wherein the washing installation drive motor and the further
washing installation drive motor jointly move an apparatus
constituent part of a treatment installation, wherein the apparatus
is at least one of: a portal; a treatment element, treatment brush
or a brush segment; a blower; and a moving device or a feeding
device for a treatment element, treatment brush or a brush
segment.
80. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 78,
wherein the washing installation drive motor and the further
washing installation drive motor are synchronized for moving an
apparatus constituent part jointly, especially with adaptation of
the respective rotary positions of the drive motors.
81. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 78,
wherein the further washing installation drive motor is arranged as
a succeeding or preceding connected motor stage in the axial
direction relative to the washing installation drive motor.
82. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 81,
wherein the washing installation drive motor and the further
washing installation drive motor have torques superimposed to one
another.
83. A washing installation drive in accordance with claim 81,
wherein the washing installation drive motor and the further
washing installation drive motor have speeds of rotation
superimposed to one another.
84. A washing installation drive in accordance claim 75, wherein
the further washing installation drive motor is arranged as a
succeeding or preceding connected motor stage in the axial
direction relative to the washing installation drive motor and are
driven by the controllable power supply.
85. A treatment installation comprising: treatment installation
apparatus constituent parts comprising a driven treatment element
for a surface treatment of a vehicle; a washing installation drive
motor for a vehicle treatment installation, wherein the washing
installation drive motor is configured as a brushless DC
synchronous motor, the washing installation drive motor comprising
an external rotor forming a power take-off element; a further
washing installation drive motor for the vehicle treatment
installation, wherein the further washing installation drive motor
is configured as a brushless DC synchronous motor, the further
washing installation drive motor comprising a further motor
external rotor forming a further power take-off element, wherein:
the washing installation drive motor and the further washing
installation drive motor are modular drive units for driving
different treatment installation apparatus constituent parts; and
the modular drive units have a uniform construction form.
86. A treatment installation in accordance with claim 85, wherein
the washing installation drive motor and the further washing
installation drive motor have different performance parameters.
87. A treatment installation in accordance with claim 85, further
comprising an installation control with two or more uniform
electrical interfaces for connecting the washing installation drive
motor and the further washing installation drive motor, wherein the
installation control is configured to at least one of to detect and
to automatically configure at least one of the washing installation
drive motor, and the further washing installation drive motor, or
an electrical power supply connected to one or both of the washing
installation drive motor and the further washing installation drive
motor.
88. A washing installation drive motor for a vehicle treatment
installation according to claim 66, in combination with a vehicle
treatment installation comprising one or more of a treatment brush,
side washing brush, roof brush, wheel washing brush and a drying
device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a United States National Phase
Application of International Application PCT/EP2019/064878, filed
Jun. 6, 2019, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119 of German Application 20 2018 103 154.6, filed Jun. 6,
2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure pertains to a drive technology for apparatus
constituent parts and especially for treatment elements of vehicle
treatment installations.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] Operating different apparatus constituent parts of a
treatment installation with respective different electrical drive
motors, wherein the drive motors are configured, as a rule, as DC
motors or asynchronous motors and are adapted to the respective
apparatus constituent parts to be driven, is known in practice. The
prior art drive motors have, as a rule, an internal rotor, which
acts as a power take-off element and is connected to the apparatus
constituent part to be driven, i.e., the motors are internal rotor
motors.
SUMMARY
[0004] The drive technologies known up to now do not have an
optimal configuration. An object of the present invention is
therefore to provide an improved drive technology, especially an
improved washing installation drive, a washing installation drive
motor for use in a washing installation drive, a treatment
installation or washing installation with a corresponding washing
installation drive motor or washing installation drive as well as a
treatment element and a vehicle treatment installation with a
corresponding washing installation drive motor or washing
installation drive.
[0005] The drive technology being disclosed comprises a modular
concept, in which a plurality of drive motors have a uniform
construction form (configuration and/or structural shape/design),
so that they can be used to drive different apparatus constituent
parts of the treatment installation. In addition, a drive motor
with a hollow shaft is proposed. The area of use of the drive motor
is massively increased by the use of a hollow shaft. A media supply
is created by the hollow shaft for downstream apparatus constituent
parts or for additional drive motors.
[0006] The drive technology makes provisions for the preferred use
of a synchronous motor, especially in the form of an external rotor
motor. A synchronous motor can cover especially many forms of drive
for the different apparatus constituent parts. On the one hand, it
can be controlled or regulated to a defined speed or to a defined
torque. Moreover, control or regulation of the rotary position is
possible. The synchronous motor can thus be used for both purely
driving purposes as well as for force- or torque-regulated feed as
well as for positioning tasks. A synchronous motor is thus also
suitable for the joint driving of an apparatus constituent part
with a plurality of drive motors.
[0007] The drive technology and/or the modular concept can provide
for a plurality of washing installation drive motors or washing
installation drives to be able to be connected to an installation
control via uniform interfaces, wherein the installation control is
configured for the automatic detection and/or configuration of a
connected drive or of the power supply thereof. No specially
trained skilled workers are thus necessary for a replacement or for
a reconfiguration of a drive motor any longer. A plug-and-play
concept is rather achieved.
[0008] The drive technology being disclosed thus makes it possible
to achieve a far-reaching reduction of the component costs and
facilitates the maintenance and the repair of drive motors.
Further, a reduction of the power consumption and novel control
concepts for the apparatus constituent parts can be achieved.
[0009] The present disclosure contains different aspects that
contribute to the accomplishment of the object each individually or
in a combination. These aspects may be used in themselves or in any
combinations, namely, in a washing installation drive motor
according to the present disclosure, in a washing installation
drive according to the present disclosure, in a treatment element
according to the present disclosure and/or in a vehicle treatment
installation according to the present disclosure.
[0010] To make the description simpler and shorter, the term
treatment installation will be used below for "vehicle treatment
installation". The term "vehicle treatment installation" comprises
all common washing installations, polishing installations or other
installations, which are intended for a partially or fully
automatic surface treatment of a vehicle. The vehicle to be treated
may be, for example, a passenger car, a truck, a bus or a train.
The treatment installation may be a portal installation, a
treatment line or an intermediate form.
[0011] The term "apparatus constituent parts" comprises the terms
"treatment element, moving device and feeding device." Moreover,
additional constituent parts of a vehicle treatment installation
may be considered to be drivable apparatus constituent parts in the
sense of the present disclosure, for example, a traveling mechanism
of a portal or of an entraining device of the treatment
installation.
[0012] The term "treatment element" comprises different
configurations of treatment brushes, especially washing brushes for
cleaning the outer surfaces of a vehicle, polishing brushes as well
as a drying device. In addition, other devices may fall within the
scope of the term treatment element, especially those apparatus
constituent parts that can be driven by a rotating drive and bring
about a surface treatment of a vehicle.
[0013] A washing installation drive motor according to the present
disclosure is a drive motor that is intended and configured for use
in a washing installation or vehicle treatment installation.
Special chemical conditions, which make it difficult to use
conventional motors, prevail in vehicle treatment installations.
For example, increased humidity or direct contact with liquid or
even temporary submersion of a drive motor may be expected. On the
other hand, alkaline or acid media may come repeatedly into contact
with the motor.
[0014] The washing installation drive motor may have, for example,
a housing, which is manufactured from materials that have a
resistance to detergent solutions. It may, furthermore, be secured
against the entry of liquid or moisture. Furthermore, the washing
installation drive motor may have corrosion-resistant contacts
and/or seals for the contacts and for the connection lines that may
possibly be inserted from the outside.
[0015] A washing installation drive according to the present
disclosure comprises a washing installation drive motor and a
controllable power supply.
[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the
washing installation drive motor is configured as a synchronous
motor, especially as a brushless DC motor.
[0017] According to another aspect, the washing installation drive
motor has an internal rotor/internal stator with a hollow
shaft.
[0018] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the
washing installation drive motor is configured as a modular drive
unit, which is configured, given a uniform construction form, to
drive different apparatus constituent parts of a treatment
installation, especially washing installation. The washing
installation drive motor may comprise an integrated controllable
power supply, which may also bring about a control or regulation of
the output, of the speed of rotation and/or of the rotary position.
A washing installation drive may thus also form, as a whole, a
modular drive unit, which, given a uniform construction form, is
configured to drive different apparatus constituent parts of a
treatment installation.
[0019] The configuration of a washing installation drive motor as a
synchronous motor, especially as a brushless DC motor, offers
various advantages. A considerable amount of energy can be saved
compared to drives used up to now. This is true especially in case
of the use of a washing installation drive motor or of a washing
installation drive according to the present disclosure as a
rotating drive for a treatment brush or for a traveling mechanism
compared to the DC motors or asynchronous motors usually used as
rotating drive or as a traveling mechanism. The washing
installation drive motor or washing installation drive being
proposed is thus more efficient and more environmentally compatible
than prior-art drives.
[0020] The synchronous motor preferably has a motor winding for
generating a magnetic field at one of the rotors and permanent
magnets at the other rotor. The motor winding may have a plurality
of partial windings, which can be energized especially via three
phase wires. The permanent magnets are preferably configured as
neodymium magnets. An especially high torque and an especially high
power drain can be achieved hereby with a slim construction form. A
reduction of the overall size and especially of the external
diameter can be achieved compared to prior-art washing installation
drives for the rotating drive of the treatment brushes at an
essentially identical power drain, which makes it possible, in
particular, to integrate the washing installation drive motor into
a carrier tube or brush tube. An especially space-saving
arrangement, in which the washing installation drive motor is,
furthermore, protected especially well against environmental
effects, is thus made possible.
[0021] The washing installation drive motor may also comprise a
carrier tube or brush tube. In other words, the washing
installation drive motor and the carrier tube or brush tube may be
integrated with one another.
[0022] The washing installation drive motor is preferably
configured and intended for an apparatus constituent part, which is
to be driven, to be connected to an external rotor of the washing
installation drive motor. The external rotor thus forms the power
take-off element. In other words, the washing installation drive
motor is an external rotor motor. The washing installation drive
motor is preferably configured to drive the external rotor during
the operation, so that the latter is moved in relation to an
internal rotor/internal stator that is not being moved or is being
moved relatively more slowly. In other words, the external rotor of
the washing installation drive motor is provided, on the other
hand, as a power take-off flange, which is provided and can be used
as a power take-off flange.
[0023] The internal rotor of the washing installation drive motor
may be arranged at the vehicle treatment installation such that it
rotates in unison. The internal rotor forms in this case an
internal stator. As will be described below, the internal rotor may
also be fastened at a rotatingly moved apparatus constituent part
of the vehicle treatment installation, so that the internal rotor
rotates itself. The external rotor is set into a different rotary
movement relative to the internal rotor.
[0024] The external rotor can preferably be connected (via a flange
area or power take-off flange) to a carrier tube or to a brush tube
or to another mounting area of the apparatus constituent part to be
driven. The external rotor of the washing installation drive motor
especially preferably has a brush mount, which is intended and
configured for being connected to an apparatus constituent part of
a washing or polishing brush such that they rotate in unison.
[0025] The external rotor may form a housing of the washing
installation drive motor or be connected to a housing of the drive
motor. The housing may comprise the flange area or the power
take-off flange. The housing preferably encloses the
electromagnetic and/or magnetic power components of the washing
installation drive motor, especially a motor winding and permanent
magnets. It preferably has an essentially cylindrical shape or a
tubular shape. The housing may have a one-part or multipart
configuration. It preferably extends over the entire axial length
of the washing installation drive motor or over the majority of the
axial length. Provisions may be made, in particular, for a part of
the internal rotor, especially a flange area permanently connected
to the internal rotor, to project over the housing at one end only.
Only a flange area of the external rotor may be provided or a
flange area of the external rotor and of the internal rotor, which
are arranged adjacent to one another in the radial direction, may
be provided at the other end. The flange area or flange areas of
the internal rotor is/are preferably configured and provided as
bearing flanges.
[0026] The term "drive motor" will be used in the following
disclosure for simplicity's sake. This term covers a washing
installation drive motor having the features according at least one
of the disclosed aspects as well as a drive motor of a different
type. The respective configuration with a washing installation
drive motor according to at least one of the aspects mentioned is
preferred.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle treatment installation is provided, which has at least one
rotatingly driven apparatus constituent part, which is driven via a
drive motor, whose internal rotor has a hollow shaft.
[0028] A drive motor with an internal rotor, which has a hollow
shaft, offers special advantages for the additional media supply or
control of an apparatus constituent part of the treatment
installation, which apparatus constituent part is connected to the
drive motor. For example, electrical lines, flexible hoses and/or
mechanical control devices can be passed through the cavity of the
hollow shaft. The hollow shaft thus forms a passage or cavity
passage open to the axial ends. The cavity passage may be a passage
or a media passage. Different, especially advantageous uses of the
cavity passage will be explained below.
[0029] The internal rotor may preferably be mounted stationarily or
only displaceably at the end pointing towards the treatment
installation (dorsal end), so that the hollow shaft of the drive
motor is not subject to any movements or only to slight movements
(internal rotor=internal stator). Additional components may be able
to be fixed at the end of the internal rotor, which end points
towards the apparatus constituent part to be driven (distal end),
and these additional components may thus likewise be able to be
mounted stationarily or only displaceably. In other words, the
internal rotor may be used as a mounting support for components of
the apparatus constituent part to be driven.
[0030] The drive motor or the washing installation drive according
to the present disclosure also makes it possible to configure
treatment brushes with separately drivable brush segments, which
may adjoin each other especially directly or at an only short
distance (less than, for example, 5 cm).
[0031] A treatment brush according to another aspect of the present
disclosure has a plurality of separately driven brush segments,
wherein a separate drive motor, especially a washing installation
drive motor according to the present disclosure, is provided for
each brush segment. At least one drive motor is preferably
integrated into a brush segment, especially into the brush tube of
a brush segment. Furthermore, the treatment brush may preferably be
configured as a bent brush.
[0032] A first brush segment of an essentially cylindrical washing
brush may especially preferably be arranged at an external rotor of
a first drive motor. A second drive motor, which drives a second
brush segment of the essentially cylindrical washing brush, may be
mounted directly or indirectly at the distal end of this drive
motor. The two or more brush segments can preferably be driven each
in a separately controlled manner. This arrangement may be repeated
several times. For example, a center-pivot hinge may be provided
between two drive motors, which drive a respective different brush
segment, in order to change the slope of the brush segments about
one or more axes in relation to one another, especially in order to
adapt a slope of the respective brush segment in relation to the
vertical direction.
[0033] One aspect of the present disclosure makes provisions for
the drive motor, especially the washing installation drive motor in
accordance with the above-mentioned aspects, to be configured as a
modular drive unit with a standardized or uniform construction
form. This drive motor may be used in the same manner for many
different apparatus constituent parts.
[0034] The configuration of the drive motor or of a washing
installation drive as a whole as a modular drive unit with a
uniform construction form has the advantage that the number of
identical parts can be markedly increased and the manufacturing
costs can thus be reduced. Further, the number of spare parts for a
treatment installation can be reduced. As a consequence of the
uniform construction form, a drive motor or a washing installation
drive may be used for different apparatus constituent parts. It may
thus be sufficient to stock only one drive motor or washing
installation drive or a few drive motors or washing installation
drives as spare parts. The replacement of a defective drive motor
or of a defective washing installation drive can be carried out
especially rapidly and simply as a consequence of the uniform
construction form, because no special knowledge is necessary
concerning the apparatus constituent parts or treatment elements.
Different features that can ensure the uniform construction form
individually or in combination will be explained below.
[0035] A treatment installation according to another aspect of the
present disclosure comprises one or more driven treatment elements
for the surface treatment of at least one vehicle, especially of a
passenger car or of a truck. Two or more drive motors with a
standardized or uniform construction form, especially a washing
installation drive motor according to one of the above aspects, are
provided as the drive for at least two apparatus constituent parts
of different types, especially for two treatment elements of
different types.
[0036] The treatment installation may have any desired
configuration within the framework of the present disclosure. It
may have, in particular, a portal, at which the one or more
treatment elements are arranged, wherein the portal is moved for a
treatment process in relation to a stationary vehicle. As an
alternative, the treatment installation may be a treatment line, in
which the one or more treatment elements are arranged statically or
at any desired moving devices, wherein one or more vehicles are
moved through the washing line and are fed to the one or more
treatment elements. The conveying device may be, in particular, an
entraining device, preferably a chain with carriers, which can be
fastened to a vehicle wheel.
[0037] It will be assumed below for simplicity's sake that the
treatment installation is a portal type washing installation.
[0038] The treatment installation according to the present
disclosure preferably has at least one drive, which is formed by a
washing installation drive according to the present disclosure. As
an alternative or in addition, the treatment installation has
modular drive units for driving different apparatus constituent
parts of the treatment installation, wherein the modular drive
units have a uniform construction form.
[0039] A treatment element according to the present disclosure is
intended and configured for use at or in a vehicle treatment
installation. The treatment element may be, in particular, a side
washing brush, a roof brush, a wheel washing brush or a drying
device (for example, a blower). The treatment element has a
rotatable range of action, which is rotatable in relation to a
basic body of the treatment installation, especially in relation to
a portal of the treatment installation. The range of action is
connected to a carrier tube of the treatment element, rotating in
unison. The range of action may comprise, for example, a brush
trim, one or more blower blades, or other acting devices suitable
for the surface treatment of vehicles. A drive motor and/or a
controllable power supply, especially a washing installation drive
or a washing installation drive motor according to the present
disclosure, are arranged in the carrier tube or in the brush
tube.
[0040] An especially preferred embodiment of a treatment element
according to the present disclosure is a treatment brush,
especially a side washing brush, with a plurality of brush
segments. The treatment brush is preferably fastened at a dorsal
end at the treatment installation. The fastening may be carried out
via a drive motor according to the present disclosure. The
treatment brush has two or more separately drivable brush segments.
A first brush segment is arranged at the dorsal end, i.e., on the
side of the treatment brush that points towards the fastening point
at the treatment installation. One or more additional brush
segments, which can be called distal brush segments, follow in the
axial direction. At least one distal brush segment is preferably
driven by a (separate) drive motor according to the present
disclosure, which may be arranged especially in the brush tube of
this distal brush segment. A center-pivot hinge may be provided
between two brush segments of the treatment brush.
[0041] The internal rotor of a drive motor, which drives a distal
brush segment, is preferably mounted directly or indirectly at the
internal rotor of a drive motor, which drives a dorsal brush
segment or an upstream distal brush segment. A media supply and/or
a mechanical control device can be passed through the hollow
shaft(s) of the drive motor, which drives the dorsal brush segment
or an upstream distal brush segment. The mechanical control device
may be used to actuate a center-pivot hinge. The media supply may
be used to supply a distal brush segment or a distal drive motor,
for example, with a washing fluid (liquid and/or gas) or with
electrical signal or load currents.
[0042] The disclosure also comprises an operating process for a
vehicle treatment installation, which has a plurality of driven
apparatus constituent parts, which are operated each via a drive
motor. At least two of these drive motors, which drive different
apparatus constituent parts, have a uniform construction form. They
may be especially washing installation drive motors or washing
installation drives according to the above aspects. The operating
process comprises a vehicle treatment process, especially a washing
process. The operating process comprises, as an alternative or in
addition, steps for detecting and/or setting up at least one
washing installation motor and/or a washing installation drive.
[0043] The present invention is shown schematically as an example
in the drawings. The various features of novelty which characterize
the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] In the drawings:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a drive motor according
to the present disclosure in an oblique view;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a treatment installation
according to the present disclosure in a schematic side view;
[0047] FIGS. 3 through 6 are perspective views showing preferred
embodiments of apparatus constituent parts of a treatment
installation, which have each a modular drive unit with a uniform
construction form; and
[0048] FIGS. 7 through 8 are schematic views showing examples of
drive motors in a cascade arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the
drive motor (2) according to the present disclosure is shown in
FIG. 1. The drive motor (2) may be present in itself or, combined
with a controllable power supply (6), it may be part of a washing
installation drive (1).
[0050] FIGS. 2 through 6 show preferred embodiments of a treatment
installation (60) for vehicles and treatment elements (50) thereof
and drivable apparatus constituent parts (14). The treatment
elements include, for example, an essentially cylindrical side
washing brush (51, 52) with one or more brush segments (53, 54), an
essentially cylindrical roof brush (55), an essentially disk-shaped
wheel washing brush (56) and a drying device (57). The other
drivable apparatus constituent parts (14) include, for example, a
traveling mechanism (68), a moving device and one or more feeding
devices.
[0051] The drive motor (2) is configured as a synchronous motor,
especially as a brushless DC motor, and it is shown in preferred
embodiments in the drawings. It has an external rotor (4) and an
internal rotor (3). The external rotor (4) preferably forms the
power take-off element of the drive motor (2). The internal rotor
(3) preferably has a hollow shaft (5), whose cavity (8) preferably
extends in the axial direction (A) of the drive motor (2) over the
entire length of the drive motor (2). The internal rotor preferably
forms the mounting element of the drive motor (2). The cavity (8)
preferably has openings (9, 10) towards both ends. These may be
especially a front opening and a rear opening (9, 10),
respectively, in the axial direction (A) of the drive motor (2).
The openings are preferably freely accessible. The cavity in the
hollow shaft between the openings is preferably freely continuous.
The wall of the hollow shaft, which defines the cavity located on
the inside, is preferably closed. In other words, there is
preferably no passage from the cavity of the hollow shaft in the
axial direction to the outside.
[0052] The part of the drive motor (2) that is intended for
fastening at the treatment installation (60) is called the dorsal
part. The dorsal side of the drive motor (2) is correspondingly the
side on which the drive motor (2) is to be fixed mechanically
during use as intended. The part of the drive motor (2), which
points towards the apparatus constituent part (14) of the treatment
installation (60), which apparatus constituent part is to be
driven, is correspondingly called the distal part.
[0053] The drive motor (2) preferably has one or more flange areas
(17, 18, 19), via which the drive motor (2) can be connected, for
example, to a basic body or to a frame of a treatment installation
(60) and, on the other hand, to an apparatus constituent part (14)
to be driven, especially to a treatment element (50). A direct or
indirect mechanical connection to at least one additional drive
motor (2) may also be provided or established in a cascade (41) or
in a multiple arrangement at one of the distal flange areas (18,
19). The flange area or flange areas (17, 18, 19) may, individually
or in a combination, be a part of a uniform construction form of a
plurality of modular drive units (7).
[0054] The internal rotor (3) of the drive motor (2) preferably
has, especially at least at an axial end, a flange area (17),
especially at least at the dorsal axial end. The internal rotor (3)
may especially preferably have at both axial ends a respective
flange area (17, 18) each, which are arranged rigidly in relation
to one another. As an alternative or in addition, the external
rotor (4) of the drive motor (2) has a flange area (18) at an axial
end, especially at the distal axial end. The flange areas of the
internal rotor (3) and of the external rotor (4), which flange
areas may possibly be present at the distal axial end, are
preferably arranged next to one another and adjacent to one another
in the radial direction. This is shown, for example, in FIGS. 7 and
8, which show the drive motor (2) in a sectional view and in
cascade arrangements (only the upper half is shown).
[0055] A drive motor (2) is preferably connected at the dorsal end
to a basic body or frame of the treatment installation (60) such
that they rotate in unison. A flange area (17) that is connected to
the internal rotor (3) is especially preferably provided at the
dorsal axial end (exclusively). In other words, an internal rotor
of the drive motor (2) is connected to a stationary or optionally
displaceable connection area of the treatment installation (60)
such that they rotate in unison.
[0056] The distal axial end of the drive motor (2) is preferably
connected to an apparatus constituent part of the treatment
installation (60), which apparatus constituent part is to be driven
rotatingly. The connection may be effected especially via a flange
area (18), which is connected to the external rotor (4) at the
distal axial end. The flange areas (17, 18, 19) may have each any
desired configuration, especially as a ring flange or as a flange
plate. The other possibility, namely, the possibility of connecting
the flange areas (17, 18, 19) of adjacent drive motors (2) to one
another, will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7 and
8.
[0057] The external rotor (4) may be mounted rotatably in relation
to the internal rotor (3) in any desired manner. Rolling bearings
(not shown) are preferably provided in the axial direction (A) in
front of and behind the motor winding. A gap between the dorsal
mounting flange (17) of the internal rotor (3) and the external
rotor (4) may be closed by a sealant. Further, a sealant may be
provided at the distal end between the external rotor (4) and the
internal rotor (3), especially between the mounting flanges (18,
19) of the internal rotor and of the external rotor, which flanges
are arranged there.
[0058] Exemplary fastening devices (16) in the form of screws, by
which the internal rotor (3) and/or the external rotor (4) can be
connected at the respective flange area (17, 18) to an adjoining
component, are provided in the figures at the flange areas (17,
18). As an alternative, any other fastening devices (16) may be
provided. The fastening means (16) may be oriented essentially in
the axial direction (A) of the drive motor (2) according to the
view shown in the figures. As an alternative or in addition, one or
more fastening devices can connect in the radial direction an
adjoining component to the internal rotor (3) or to the external
rotor (4). It is possible, in particular, to arrange a carrier tube
(30), a brush tube (31), a drive roller or another element of an
apparatus constituent part (14), which element is to be driven, on
a cylindrical outer circumference (23) of the drive motor (2) and
to fix it such that they will rotate in unison.
[0059] The drive motor (2) has a motor winding (20), which may
comprise two or more partial windings (not shown). The motor
winding (20) is preferably connected to the internal rotor (3) and
is arranged especially in a space between the hollow shaft (3) and
the external rotor (4). The drive motor (2) has, furthermore, a
plurality of permanent magnets (21), which are especially
preferably connected to the external rotor (4) (cf. view in FIGS.
1, 7 and 8).
[0060] According to the above-mentioned preferred fixation of the
internal rotor (3) at a stationary or only displaceable component
of the treatment installation (60), the internal rotor (3)
preferably forms a stationary element, in relation to which the
external rotor (4) is set into a rotary movement. If the internal
rotor (3) is also subject to a rotary movement, the external rotor
(4) rotates, as a rule, at a relatively higher speed of rotation
(cf. following explanations in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0061] The arrangement of the permanent magnets (21) at the
external rotor (4) rotating at a higher speed relative to the
internal rotor has the advantage that the centripetal force, which
holds the permanent magnets (21) in the desired position, can be
applied by an essentially cylindrical housing (35) or a cylindrical
wall of the external rotor (4), namely, as a pure force of reaction
to a centrifugal force, which is caused by the rotary movement and
which forces the permanent magnets (21) to the outside. When
arranged at the external rotor rotating at a higher speed relative
to the internal rotor, the permanent magnets can consequently be
held reliably in the predefined position even at very high speeds
of rotation and the risk of a rupture of the magnet or of
separation of the magnet due to the centrifugal force is markedly
reduced or ruled out.
[0062] The washing installation drive (1) preferably has a rotary
position detection device (11) for the drive motor (2). The rotary
position detection device (11) may have any desired configuration
and may be arranged as desired. According to a first preferred
embodiment, at least one Hall sensor (22) is arranged at or in the
drive motor (2). The at least one Hall sensor (22) is preferably
configured to detect a current magnetic field in the drive motor
(2). A current rotary position of the drive motor (2) can be
detected from the position of the magnetic field at least as a
current relative angle of rotation between a reference point at the
internal rotor and a reference point at the external rotor. The
rotary position detection device (11) can thus be a (direct) rotary
field detection or a (direct) magnetic field detection.
[0063] As an alternative or in addition, a detection device may be
provided, which determines a rotary position (D) of the drive motor
(2) on the basis of a comparison of the current supply currents
that are fed to the motor winding (20) or to the partial windings
thereof. In particular, a vector comparison between the current
motor currents of the partial windings may be carried out. An
(indirect) detection of the rotary field and of the magnetic field
can also be carried out with this vector comparison. Thus, the
performance of a vector comparison between the motor currents also
represents an (indirect) rotary field detection or a magnetic field
detection.
[0064] The washing installation drive (1) is preferably configured
to preset and especially to regulate a current rotary position (D)
of the drive motor (2). In other words, a rotary position of the
drive motor (2) can preferably be preset and possibly regulated in
the manner of a stepping motor. This is advantageous, for example,
when the drive motor (2) or the washing installation drive (1) is
used to drive a traveling mechanism (68) or a drive roller (34) of
the treatment installation (60) (cf. FIG. 5) or to drive a feeding
device (65) or a moving device (64) (cf. FIG. 2).
[0065] The hollow shaft (5) of the drive motor (2) can
advantageously be used for different purposes. According to a first
preferred embodiment, a media supply (12) may be able to be
arranged or may be arranged in the hollow shaft (5) of the drive
motor (2). The media supply (12) can supply especially a treatment
element (50), which can be driven or is driven by the drive motor
(2).
[0066] In the example according to FIG. 4, the media supply (12)
comprises, for example, a washing liquid passage (37), through
which one or more washing liquids can be fed to a driven treatment
brush (50, 56). In the example according to FIG. 4, a wheel washing
brush (56) is supplied with a washing liquid, which comprises, for
example, water, at least one detergent additive and optionally a
foaming agent, The washing liquid passage (37) may be defined
directly by the hollow shaft (5). As an alternative or in addition,
a washing liquid passage (37) or another fluid passage passed
through the hollow shaft (5) may be defined by an additional
guiding device, for example, a flexible hose or a pipe.
[0067] A media supply (12) may also comprise a gas passage,
especially a compressed air passage. The media supply (12) may
comprise, furthermore, one or more guiding devices, which send load
or signal currents to a drive motor (2) located downstream in the
distal direction or to other apparatus constituent parts (14) that
can be operated or controlled electrically.
[0068] As an alternative or in addition, a mechanical control
device (13) may be able to be arranged or may be arranged in the
hollow shaft (5) of the drive motor (2). The mechanical control
device (13 may have any desired configuration. It may be
configured, in particular, to preset or to influence a position or
pose of an apparatus constituent part (14) of the treatment
installation (60), which apparatus constituent part is moved by the
drive motor (2), and in the hollow shaft (5) of which the
mechanical control device (13) is arranged.
[0069] In the example according to FIG. 2, the mechanical control
device (13) is a push rod, which is passed through the hollow shaft
(5) of a dorsal drive motor (2). The push rod is movable in the
axial direction (A). It can be moved by a bent drive (38), which is
arranged at the dorsal end of the side washing brush (52). The push
rod may extend from the bent drive (38) through the hollow shaft
(5) and optionally farther through a brush tube (31) of the side
washing brush (52) or of a dorsal brush segment (53) to a
center-pivot hinge (15). By actuating the mechanical control
device, especially by a movement of the push rod, the center-pivot
hinge (15) can be actuated in order to move a part of the side
washing brush (52), especially a lower or distal brush segment
(54), in relation to an upper or dorsal brush segment (53). The
movement may be especially a bending or pivoting movement.
[0070] The mechanical control device (13) may be present as one
device or as a plurality of devices. According to a preferred
embodiment variant, a first mechanical control device is formed by
a push rod, whose displacement brings about a pivoting movement of
a lower brush segment (54) about a first axis. A second mechanical
control device (13) may be formed by another push rod, whose
movement brings about a second pivoting movement of the lower brush
segment (54) about a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis may
be, for example, an axis directed in the longitudinal direction of
the vehicle (70), while the second pivot axis may be a pivot axis
oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle (70).
[0071] According to another embodiment, a braking device or a
blocking device (not shown) may be arranged in or at the hollow
shaft (5) of the drive motor (2). Likewise, an actuator (not shown)
may be arranged, as an alternative or in addition, in or at the
hollow shaft (5) of a drive motor (2).
[0072] The actuator may have any desired configuration. It may be
able to be operated or actuated directly or indirectly especially
by the magnetic field of the drive motor (2). The actuator may be,
according to an optional configuration, an actuator for the
aforementioned braking device or blocking device or an actuator for
another braking device or blocking device. The actuator and/or the
braking device or blocking device may each bring about,
individually or jointly, a braking or blocking of the drive motor
(2) or of an apparatus constituent part (14) to be driven,
especially a braking or holding of the external rotor (4) relative
to the internal rotor (3).
[0073] The braking device or blocking device may have a
self-closing configuration. The braking effect or blocking effect
may be weakened or abolished by the magnetic field of the drive
motor (2). Such a configuration is especially advantageous for the
use of the drive motor (2) for operating a moving device or of a
feeding device. This pertains especially to a moving device or to a
feeding device for a treatment element (50), which is moved against
an impressed force or a prestressing force, i.e., for example, for
feeding a roof brush (55), which is raised against its own weight,
in order to remove it from the vehicle (70). When the feeding
device provided for this purpose has a drive motor (2) with an
aforementioned braking device or blocking device, an accidental
lowering of the roof brush (55) can be prevented by the braking
effect or blocking effect developing by itself when the drive motor
(2) is de-energized.
[0074] In other words, the drive motor (2) may be configured as a
self-blocking or self-braking drive motor. A braking or blocking
device of the aforementioned type may also be arranged within the
drive motor (2) between the internal rotor (3) and the external
rotor (4). The braking or blocking device may, furthermore, be
actuated by the supply currents, which are fed to the motor winding
(20). The actuation may provide for the braking effect or blocking
effect to be weakened or abolished by the supply currents.
[0075] The drive motor (2) may be integrated in different ways in a
mounting area of an apparatus constituent part (14) of the
treatment installation (60), which apparatus constituent part is to
be driven. It is especially advantageous for this purpose if a
plurality of drive motors (2) are configured as modular drive units
(7) with a uniform construction form.
[0076] According to a first variant, the drive motor (2) may be
integrated in a carrier tube (30) of a treatment element (50). The
carrier tube (30) may be especially a brush tube (31) of an
essentially cylindrical treatment brush (51, 55). The drive motor
(2) preferably has for this purpose an external rotor (4) with a
cylindrical outer contour (23). The diameter of the cylindrical
outer contour (23) is preferably smaller than or equal to the
internal diameter of the carrier tube (30) or of the brush tube
(31). In particular, a fitting may be provided between the
cylindrical outer contour (23) and the internal diameter of the
carrier tube or brush tube (30, 31) (cf. FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0077] As an alternative or in addition, a drive motor (2) may be
able to be integrated or may be integrated in a flanged tube (32)
of an essentially disk-shaped treatment brush (56). The cylindrical
outer contour (23) may have for this purpose a corresponding
fitting in relation to the flanged tube (32 (cf. FIG. 4).
[0078] As an alternative or in addition, the drive motor (2) may,
in turn, be able to be integrated or may be integrated into a
carrier tube (30) of a blower (58), the blower (58) preferably
being a part of a drying device (57) of the treatment installation
(60). A corresponding fitting may be provided for this purpose
between the cylindrical outer contour (23) of the drive motor (2)
and the carrier tube (30) of the blower (58).
[0079] As an alternative or in addition, the drive motor (2) may,
in turn, be able to be integrated or may be integrated into a drive
roller (34) of a traveling mechanism (68) of a treatment
installation (60), for which purpose a corresponding fitting is
likewise provided between the cylindrical outer contour (23) and,
for example, a drive roller (34) of the traveling mechanism (68),
which said drive roller (34) is to be driven (cf. FIG. 5).
[0080] According to the uniform construction form, identical
external diameters of the cylindrical outer contour (23) and
correspondingly identical or similar internal diameters of the
receiving carrier tube (30), brush tube (31), flanged tube (32)
and/or of the drive roller (34) may be provided for the integration
of the drive motor in the above-mentioned variants.
[0081] The power supply for supplying at least one drive motor (2)
according to the present disclosure may have any desired
configuration. It preferably supplies the motor winding (20) of at
least one drive motor (2) with the needed supply currents in order
to set the at least one drive motor (2) into a rotary motion.
[0082] The power supply (6) is preferably connected to a rotary
position detection device (11) of at least one drive motor (22).
The supply currents may be generated as a function of the rotary
position detection device (11).
[0083] According to a preferred embodiment variant, the power
supply (6) comprises a terminal for connecting one, two or three
Hall sensors (22), which are arranged at or in the at least one
drive motor (2).
[0084] The controllable power supply (6) is preferably configured
to regulate the speed of rotation of the drive motor (2) as a
function of a speed specification and/or a rotary position
detection and especially of a Hall measurement (22). As an
alternative, a control or regulation of the speed of rotation may
be carried out in another manner.
[0085] The controllable power supply (6) is configured, as an
alternative or in addition, to regulate a rotary position of the
drive motor, especially a relative rotary position of the external
rotor (4) and of the internal rotor (3), as a function of an angle
of rotation specification, especially of a Hall measurement (22).
As an alternative, a control or regulation of the current rotary
position of the drive motor (2) may be carried out in another
manner.
[0086] The controllable power supply (6) is especially preferably
configured to control the drive motor (2) by direct control of the
torque or of the supply currents, doing so as a function of a
rotary position detection device (11), which determines a rotary
position of the drive motor (2) on the basis of a vector comparison
of the current supply current of the drive motor (2). In other
words, the controllable power supply (6) is configured to carry out
a direct torque control on the basis of a vector analysis of the
supply currents. This regulation may, in particular, be independent
from a Hall measurement (22).
[0087] FIG. 2 shows a treatment installation (60) according to the
present disclosure in an embodiment as a washing installation,
especially as a portal washing installation.
[0088] The treatment installation (60) comprises a displaceable
portal (61), which is moved especially by means of a traveling
mechanism (68). The traveling mechanism (68) comprises one or more
drive rollers (34). The drive rollers (34) may have any desired
configuration.
[0089] The traveling mechanism (68) is shown separately in FIG. 5.
According to a preferred embodiment variant, the at least one drive
roller (34) rolls on a running rail (69), which is arranged in the
bottom area of the treatment installation (60). The drive roller
(34) may preferably bring about an essentially slip-free movement
of the portal (61), especially by meshing of teeth between the
drive roller (34) and the running rail (69). The drive roller (34)
is preferably driven by a drive motor (2) or a washing installation
drive (1) according to the present disclosure. The drive motor (2)
may be inserted or integrated into the drive roller (34), the drive
roller (34) sitting on a cylindrical outer circumference (23) of
the drive motor (2).
[0090] The treatment installation (60) preferably comprises at
least one column, especially at least one movable portal column
(62). One or more treatment elements (50) may be arranged at the
column or portal column (62). The treatment element (50) or the
plurality of treatment elements (50) may be moved individually or
in combination by one or more moving devices or feeding
devices.
[0091] A first treatment element (50) may be a wheel washer. This
preferably comprises an essentially disk-shaped treatment brush
(56), which will hereinafter be called a wheel washing brush.
[0092] FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment variant of the wheel
washing device. The wheel washing brush (56) is driven accordingly
by a drive motor (2) or by a washing installation drive (1)
according to the present disclosure. In particular, the drive motor
(2) can be integrated for this purpose into a carrier tube (30) or
brush tube (31) of the wheel washing brush (56).
[0093] A washing liquid passage leading to the treatment brush (56)
is preferably passed through the hollow shaft (5) of the drive
motor (2). A washing liquid applicator (33), by which the washing
liquid being fed is applied to the brush and/or to the vehicle
wheel (71) to be cleaned during the treatment process, may be
provided at the treatment brush (56).
[0094] The wheel washing device preferably comprises a feeding
device (65), which is configured to feed the wheel washing brush
(56) into a working position at the vehicle (70). The feeding
device (65) may be present separately or be a part of a moving
device (64). The moving device (64) may have any desired
configuration. It may be configured as a monoaxial or multiaxial
moving device.
[0095] According to a preferred embodiment variant, the moving
device (64) makes it possible at least to raise the wheel washing
brush (56) vertically. Moreover, it may make possible the
aforementioned feeding movement.
[0096] The treatment installation (60) may be configured to move
the wheel washing brush (56) by a combined actuation of the moving
device (64) and of a traveling mechanism (68). The movement may be
especially an arcing motion, by which the wheel washing brush is
moved in an essentially vertical plane. In other words, the wheel
washing brush is guided by combined actuation of the moving device
and of the traveling mechanism by an essentially vertical arcing
motion. An upwards or downwards pointing component of the arcing
motion can be generated by the moving device (64) of the wheel
washing brush. A horizontally directed component of the arcing
motion may be generated by a traveling movement of the column (62)
or by the actuation of the traveling mechanism (68).
[0097] The arcing motion may be selected as desired. It is
preferably selected to be such that an external diameter of the
wheel washing brush (56) is caused to be essentially tangential to
an external diameter of a vehicle wheel (71) and especially of a
rim (72).
[0098] For example, during a movement of the portal along the
vehicle (70) in the forward direction, the washing brush (56) may
be arranged at first at a medium level, e.g., at the level of the
wheel axle. The wheel washing brush (56) may at first be raised
during the moving past, brought about by the traveling mechanism
(68), until it reaches the topmost area of the vehicle wheel (71),
which area is to be washed. The wheel washing brush (56) can then
again be lowered until it comes approximately to the axle level.
During this moving along, especially the raising and lowering
movement can be controlled according to a sine function and the
travel movement of the portal can be controlled according to a
cosine function, so that the vectorial superimposition of the
raising movement and of the travel movement yield a semicircle.
[0099] During a travel of the portal in the opposite direction,
i.e., in the reverse direction of the vehicle (70), the wheel
washing brush (56) can correspondingly be lowered at first in the
reverse manner starting from a medium level and then raised again
in order to correspondingly wash the lower half of the wheel during
an arcing motion.
[0100] As an alternative to the aforementioned example, the
direction references may be transposed or changed in any desired
manner in order to bring about other arcing motions.
[0101] The treatment installation according to FIG. 2 comprises,
furthermore, a drying device (57), which may have any desired
configuration. The drying device (57) preferably comprises at least
one blower (58). The blower (58) is configured to generate an air
stream, which can be directed by optional additional
device-technological units towards the surface of the vehicle (70)
to be treated. The blower (58) is shown in an exemplary embodiment
variant in FIG. 6. It is driven by a drive motor (2) or by a
washing installation drive (1) according to the present disclosure.
The blower (58) comprises a flanged tube (32), in which the drive
motor (2) and especially a modular drive unit (7) having the
uniform construction form can be integrated.
[0102] The treatment installation (60) according to FIG. 2
comprises one or more essentially cylindrical treatment brushes,
especially at least one roof brush (55) and at least one side
washing brush (52). Each of these brushes can be moved by a
suitable feeding device into a working position at the vehicle and
also removed from the vehicle. The feeding of the roof brush (55)
is carried out preferably by a raising or lowering movement. The
feeding of a side brush (52) is preferably carried out by a closing
or opening movement oriented in the transverse direction of the
vehicle (70).
[0103] The feeding devices (not shown) of the roof brush (55) and
of the side washing brushes (52) may be configured as desired. They
may, in particular, be driven by a drive motor (2) or by a washing
installation drive (1) according to the present disclosure, the
drive motor (2) and/or the washing installation drive (1) being
configured especially as a modular drive unit (7) with a uniform
construction form.
[0104] The washing installation drive (1) and the power supply (6)
are preferably configured to control or regulate the drive motor
(2) to assume and maintain a defined rotary position. This
assumption and maintenance of the rotary position can be achieved
with or without a braking or blocking device of the above-described
type. In particular, a defined rotary position can be assumed and
maintained simply by means of the magnetic force, which can be
generated by the permanent magnets (21) and by the motor winding
(20) of the drive motor (2).
[0105] The rotating drives of the essentially cylindrical treatment
brushes (52, 55) may also be formed by a drive motor (2) or by a
washing installation drive (1) according to the present disclosure,
especially by the modular drive unit (7) with a uniform
construction form.
[0106] The drive motor (2) or the washing installation drive (1)
may especially preferably be configured as a gearless direct drive,
especially for one of the essentially cylindrical treatment brushes
(51, 52, 55) mentioned or for an essentially disk-shaped treatment
brush (56), for a blower (58) of a drying device (57) or for a
traveling mechanism (68) of the treatment installation (60). An
especially preferred configuration of a rotating drive is shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. The drive motor (2) or the modular drive unit (7) is
integrated here into a brush tube (31) of a side washing brush
(52). The brush tube (31) can be pushed here especially over the
cylindrical outer contour (23) of the drive motor (2). The
cylindrical outer contour (23) may be formed here especially by a
housing of the drive motor (2) and especially of the external rotor
(4). The brush trim may be present between the brush tube (31) and
the drive motor (2). An especially great working height of the side
washing brush (2) can thus be achieved. It is, in particular,
unnecessary to provide an intermediate space for accommodating the
drive motor (2) between an upper end of the side washing brush (52)
and a portal cross arm (63).
[0107] The side washing brush (52) may have a single-pivoting
device or a double-pivoting device. It may, furthermore, be
configured as a single-bent brush or as a double-bent brush.
[0108] A single-pivoting device is configured to pivot out a side
washing brush (52) or at least an upper brush segment (53) in
relation to a vertical direction about a pivot axis, especially in
order to adapt the slope of the side washing brush to the slope of
a vehicle surface to be cleaned. A double-pivoting device can tilt
a side washing brush (52) or at least an upper brush segment (53)
correspondingly about two pivot axes in relation to a vertical
direction. The pivot axes may be a pivot axis extending in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or a pivot axis extending
in the transverse direction of the vehicle (70). As an alternative,
any other desired orientations of the pivot axes, especially
horizontal orientations, are possible.
[0109] A single-bent brush is configured to bend a lower part of
the side washing brush (52) in relation to an upper part, so that
the upper part and the lower part assume different slope angles in
relation to the vertical direction. A single-bent brush has an
individual articulation axis for this purpose. A double-bent or
multiply bent brush correspondingly has two or more articulation
axes. The articulation axes may be especially horizontal axes.
According to a first variant, a first articulation axis may extend
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (70), while a second
articulation axis extends in the transverse direction in relation
to the vehicle (70). The two articulation axes may be present here
in a common center-pivot hinge (15). According to an alternative
embodiment, the two articulation axes may have the same
orientation, especially an orientation in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle (70), but they may be offset in relation
to one another in the horizontal direction, especially at two
different center-pivot hinges (15).
[0110] Any desired intermediary combinations of the above-mentioned
variants are, in turn, possible as an alternative.
[0111] One, two or more brush segments (53, 54) arranged at the
side washing brush (52) can be adapted to the contour of a vehicle
surface to be cleaned by a single or multiple tilting and/or by a
single or multiple bending of a side washing brush (52). The
tilting and bending movements may be combined in any desired
manner. The treatment installation preferably has a contour
detection device, which may have any desired, prior-art
configuration.
[0112] The one or more side washing brushes (52) may preferably be
mounted on a rail (39), which preferably extends in the upper area
of the portal, especially in the area of a portal cross arm (63),
in the transverse direction of the vehicle (70), via one or more
traveling trolleys (40). A feeding device for a side washing brush
(52) may comprise, for example, a drive roller, which acts on the
rail (39). The configuration and the function of the feeding device
may essentially correspond to the configuration and the function of
the traveling drive (68) according to FIG. 5.
[0113] As is apparent from the above-mentioned examples, the
treatment installation (60) may preferably have a plurality of
washing installation drives (1), whose drive motors (2) drive
different apparatus constituent parts (14) of the treatment
installation (60). An apparatus constituent part (14) may be driven
by an individual drive motor (2) or jointly by a plurality of drive
motors (2). The drive motors (2) and/or the washing installation
drives (1) preferably have a uniform construction form, especially
a uniform size and/or uniform interfaces. Mechanical interfaces,
electrical supply interfaces and/or communication interfaces may
belong to the uniform interfaces.
[0114] The plurality of drive motors (2) with uniform construction
form may have each the same performance parameters or preferably
different performance parameters. For example, an electric drive
(2), which is used to drive a feeding device of a side washing
brush (52), may have a lower output power than a drive motor (2)
for the traveling mechanism (68). These drive motors (2) may,
however, nevertheless have a uniform construction form, i.e.,
especially a uniform size and/or uniform mechanical interfaces
and/or uniform electronic interfaces, etc.
[0115] An installation control (59) of the treatment installation
(60) is preferably configured to detect and/or automatically to
configure an electrical power supply (6) of a connected washing
installation drive (1). The performance parameters of the
respective drive motor (2) and of the washing installation drive
(1) can be stored or may be able to be determined in the power
supply (6).
[0116] The installation control (59) can preferably communicate
with the modular drive units (7) or with the power supplies (6)
thereof via a plurality of uniform communication interfaces. The
communication interfaces may be formed here especially by a bus
system or by a network.
[0117] According to a preferred embodiment, two or more drive
motors (2) may be provided for jointly moving an apparatus
constituent part (14) of a treatment installation (60). These may
be especially two or more drive motors (2), which are controlled by
a common power supply (6) and to which especially supply currents
are applied. Two or more drive motors (2) may especially preferably
be provided for jointly moving a treatment element (50), especially
a treatment brush (51, 52, 55, 56) or a brush segment (53, 54) or a
blower (58). As an alternative or in addition, two or more drive
motors (2) may be provided for jointly moving a moving device (64)
or a feeding device (65) for a treatment element (50).
[0118] A washing installation drive may have two or more drive
motors (2), which are energized by a common controllable power
supply (6) and can be regulated in terms of the speed and/or the
speed of rotation. This is especially advantageous for the joint
driving of an apparatus constituent part (14).
[0119] A plurality of drive motors (2), which are intended for
jointly moving an apparatus constituent part (14), may preferably
be synchronized. The synchronization may be brought about by any
desired means and it can preferably bring about an adaptation of
the respective rotary positions (D) of the drive motors (2).
[0120] The synchronization of the rotary positions (D) of the
plurality of drive motors (2) makes it possible to apply the same
supply currents to these drive motors (2). It may be sufficient in
this case to provide a rotary position detection device (11),
especially one or more Hall sensors in only one of these drive
motors (2). A rotary position detection can be done away with for
the other drive motors as a consequence of the synchronization. The
regulation of the supply currents, which is carried out for the
first drive motor (2) with rotary position detection device (11),
also applies to the other drive motors (2), which have no rotary
position detection device (11) and especially no Hall sensors, as a
consequence of the synchronization and of the establishment of a
uniform rotary position (D) for all drive motors (2).
[0121] FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples for the arrangement of a
plurality of drive motors (2) for jointly driving an apparatus
constituent part (14). The plurality of drive motors (2) are
arranged all in a cascade (41), i.e., they are arranged one after
another in the axial direction and are directly or indirectly
connected to one another. In other words, two or more drive motors
(2) are arranged in a cascading form in the axial direction and are
especially connected each to one another.
[0122] In the example according to FIG. 7, two or more drive motors
(2) are arranged in a cascading form such that their torques are
superimposed to one another. This is achieved by the internal
rotors (3) of the drive motors (2) being connected to one another
such that they rotate in unison. Especially the respective flange
areas (17, 19) of the internal rotors (3) of two adjacent drive
motors (2) are connected to one another for this purpose.
[0123] Furthermore, the external rotors (4) of the adjacent drive
motors (2) may be connected each to the same carrier tube (30),
brush tube (31) or to another mounting area of the apparatus
constituent part (14) to be driven. The external rotors (4), in
particular, may have here an identical angular orientation in
relation to the carrier tube (30), to the brush tube (31) or to the
mounting area. A mechanical orientation device (66), which ensures
that all drive motors (2) in the cascade have the same rotary
position (D) at each time, is formed by the respective identical
fixation of the external rotors (4) and internal rotors (3).
[0124] In the example according to FIG. 8, two or more drive motors
(2) are arranged in a cascading form such that their speeds are
superimposed. An external rotor (4) of a drive motor (2) is
connected for this purpose to an internal rotor (3) of an adjacent
drive motor (2). It is possible in this arrangement as well to
operate the two or more cascading drive motors via a common power
supply (6). Further, it may be sufficient in this case as well to
equip only one drive motor (2), especially the drive motor (2) in
the cascade head (67), with a Hall measuring device (22) or with
another rotary position detection device (11).
[0125] In the example according to FIG. 8, a synchronized movement
of the drive motors (2) and especially a uniform rotary position
(D) can be brought about by a mechanical orientation device (66).
which is configured as a gear, especially as a planet gear.
[0126] As an alternative to the above-mentioned mechanical
orientation devices, a plurality of drive motors (2) can be
synchronized for a joint movement of an apparatus constituent part
(14) of a treatment installation (60) by an electronically
controlled specification or adaptation of the rotary positions (D)
of the drive motors (2).
[0127] The controllable power supply (6) of a washing installation
drive (1) according to the present disclosure may be arranged at
any desired location. It may be arranged, especially according to
FIG. 1, outside the drive motor (2).
[0128] As an alternative and preferably, a controllable power
supply (6) may be integrated in a housing (35) or in a mounting
body (36) of a drive motor (2). This may be especially a housing
(35) or a mounting body (36) of a drive motor (2), which forms the
cascade head (67) in a plurality of cascading drive motors (2).
[0129] When two or more drive motors (2) are connected to a common
power supply (6), each of these drive motors (2) may be connected
to the power supply (6) via separate lines. As an alternative, a
drive motor (2) may have a main terminal (42) for the power supply
of its own and an auxiliary terminal (43) for the power supply for
at least one cascading drive motor (2). This is shown schematically
as an example in FIG. 8. The power supply can be passed on in this
manner from one drive motor (2) to the next.
[0130] A configuration of drive motors (2) with a main terminal
(42) and an auxiliary terminal (43) may also be suitable if the
drive motors (2) drive, according to the example shown in FIG. 2, a
plurality of brush segments arranged one after another or other
apparatus constituent parts (14) of a treatment installation (60),
which are arranged one after another.
[0131] The controllable power supply (6) may itself be supplied by
any desired form of energy. A controllable power supply (6)
preferably has a supply terminal for direct connection to the
public power grid, i.e., for example, a supply terminal for 230 V
a.c. or for 400 V three-phase current. The controllable power
supply (6) preferably has an integrated power pack, which converts
the energy supplied into an intermediate circuit energy form. The
supply currents, which are to be sent to the one or more connected
drive motors (2), can then be generated from the intermediate
circuit energy form. It is consequently unnecessary to provide an
external power pack to supply, for example, one or more
controllable power supplies (6) of the washing installation drives
(1) with a special energy form, which is different from the energy
form of the public supply grid.
[0132] A controllable power supply (6) may have a unidirectional or
bidirectional data interface to the installation control (59) of
the treatment installation (60), especially a network connection or
a bus connection. The controllable power supply (6) can receive at
least desired values, especially a desired speed, a desired rotary
position and/or a desired torque via a unidirectional data
interface.
[0133] The controllable power supply may have an internal control
or regulation in order to operate the at least one drive motor (2)
according to the desired values, especially such that
correspondingly determined actual values follow the received
desired values.
[0134] Furthermore, actual values can be transmitted via a
bidirectional data interface from the controllable power supply (6)
to the installation control (59). Furthermore, status information
or general device parameters can be exchanged between the
controllable power supply (6) and the installation control (59)
unidirectionally or bidirectionally.
[0135] A controllable power supply (6) is especially preferably
configured to detect an absolute value of the load torque and/or a
change in the load torque at at least one connected drive motor
(2). The load torque or the load torque change may be used for the
internal regulation in the controllable power supply (6). As an
alternative or in addition, the detected load torque or the
detected load torque change may be transmitted to the installation
control (59).
[0136] The uniform construction form of modular drive units (7)
according to the present disclosure can be defined by one or more
of the following features: [0137] The drive motor (2) has an
internal rotor (3) with a hollow shaft (5); [0138] The drive motor
(2) is configured as a synchronous motor, especially as a brushless
DC motor; [0139] A cavity (8) of a hollow shaft (5) of the drive
motor (2) has openings (9, 10) towards both ends, especially at
least one front opening and at least one rear opening (9, 10) each
in the axial direction (A) of the drive motor; [0140] An internal
rotor (3) of the drive motor (2) has a flange area (17) at at least
one axial end, especially a flange area (17, 19) each, which are
arranged rigidly in relation to one another, at both axial ends;
[0141] An external rotor (4) of the drive motor (2) has a flange
area (18) at one axial end, and especially at exactly one axial
end; [0142] A drive motor (2) can be integrated into a carrier tube
(30) of a treatment element (50); [0143] A drive motor (2) has an
external rotor (4) with a cylindrical outer contour (23), wherein
the diameter of the cylindrical outer contour (23) is smaller than
or equal to the internal diameter of a carrier tube (30) or of a
brush tube (31) or of a flanged tube (32) or of a drive roller
(34); [0144] In other words, an external rotor has a cylindrical
outer contour (23), which has a predefined fitting in relation to a
uniform fastening interface, which is defined for a plurality of
apparatus constituent parts (14) of the treatment installation
(60), which apparatus constituent part are to be driven; [0145] The
drive motor (2) has a housing (35), which is connected to the
external rotor (4), wherein the housing (35) forms especially the
majority of the cylindrical outer contour (23); [0146] The drive
motor (2) has a main terminal for its own power supply and an
auxiliary terminal (43) for a cascading or next drive motor (2);
[0147] The drive motor (2) is configured as a gearless direct drive
for a treatment element (50).
[0148] The treatment installation (60) according to the present
disclosure preferably has a plurality of drive motors (2) with a
uniform construction form, wherein some controllable power supplies
(6) are integrated into the housing (35) or into a mounting body
(36) of the respective drive motor (2) in at least some of the
drive motors (2) with uniform construction form.
[0149] A treatment installation (60) according to the present
disclosure preferably has, furthermore, a plurality of drive motors
(2) with a uniform construction form, which are arranged in a
cascade (41). Especially two or more of the cascading drive motors
(2) may be operated here by a common controllable power supply (6).
This common power supply (6) may especially be integrated into a
housing or into a mounting body (36) of at least one drive motor
(2) of the cascade (41), especially of the drive motor (2) at the
cascade head (67).
[0150] Variants of the present invention are possible in different
manners. In particular, all the features described, shown, claimed
or otherwise disclosed in connection with the embodiment variants
may be combined with one another, replaced with one another or
omitted as desired.
[0151] The controllable power supply according to the present
disclosure may bring about a control or regulation of the power, of
the speed of rotation or of the rotary position of at least one
drive motor (2).
[0152] All the disclosed components and apparatus constituent parts
of a vehicle treatment installation according to the present
disclosure may be used in the known manner in a treatment process
for a vehicle (vehicle treatment process), especially in a vehicle
washing process.
[0153] Special advantages arise for a vehicle treatment process
from the disclosed configuration of a wheel washer with the moving
device (64) and with the disk-shaped treatment brush. A vehicle
treatment process according to the present disclosure may comprise
the following steps: [0154] Feeding of a disk-shaped treatment
brush (56) to a vehicle wheel; and [0155] Joint actuation of a
traveling mechanism (68) of the treatment installation as well as
of a moving device (64), at which the disk-shaped treatment brush
is mounted or guided, such that the disk-shaped treatment brush is
guided with an arcing motion, so that an external diameter of the
disk-shaped treatment brush (56) is guided essentially tangentially
in relation to an external diameter of the vehicle wheel (71) to be
treated, and especially tangentially to an external diameter of a
rim (72).
[0156] Furthermore, special advantages arise for a vehicle
treatment process from the configuration of a side washing brush
(52), which is shown schematically in FIG. 2, with two or more
separately driven brush segments (53, 54), especially according to
the configuration explained above.
[0157] Various favorable effects can be achieved by the separate
driving of the two or more brush segments, which may possibly have
separate and especially different washing trims or brush trims. The
washing trims or brush trims may have, for example, identical or
different lengths and equal or different trimming materials.
Further, the brush segments (52, 53) may be configured each with or
without a fluid feed.
[0158] According to a preferred embodiment, a first brush segment
(53), which reaches a side mirror of the vehicle during the
treatment of a vehicle, can be driven or moved or is driven at a
lower speed of rotation than another brush segment (54) arranged
above or under it. An especially gentle treatment, especially
washing, of the side mirror can be achieved hereby without having
to accept an impairment of the washing results for this on the
surrounding surface areas. The specification of the different
speeds of rotation can be achieved especially by separate control
or regulation of the movement of the brush segment.
[0159] According to another preferred embodiment, a first brush
segment and a second brush segment (53, 54), which are preferably
arranged one above the other, may be driven in opposite directions
at a transition area between a front surface and a longitudinal
side of a vehicle to be cleaned and/or driven at different speeds.
This can likewise be achieved by separate control or regulation of
the movement of the brush segments. Prior-art side washing brushes,
which have only a single brush segment or at least two identical or
jointly driven brush segments, tend to lift off at least locally
from the surface of the vehicle in the transition area from a front
surface to side face or from a side face to a front surface of the
vehicle. The results of the treatment or washing may become
insufficient due to the lifting off in the transition area, and
especially at the left and right rear edges. The lifting off may be
triggered by only a partial area of the side washing brush or only
one brush segment having a sufficient or even locally increased
force against the surface of the vehicle in the transition area.
Due to the interaction between the rotating brush or the
essentially statically arranged surface contour of the vehicle in
the transition area, the brush may become deflected. The manner and
extent of the deflection depend on the configuration of the contact
zone, on the rotation direction as well as on the speed of rotation
of the side washing brush.
[0160] Due to the separate and different specification of a
movement of the two or more brush segments, it is possible
specifically to counteract the lifting off. For example, at least
one brush segment, especially the brush segment that has the
highest contact pressure against the surface of the vehicle, can
thus be driven at a lower speed of rotation relative to the other
brush segments. As an alternative or in addition, at least two
brush segments may be moved in mutually opposite rotation
directions, so that the forces acting as a result of the contact
with the vehicle, which forces generate the lifting off or
attraction between the washing brush and the surface of the
vehicle, are influenced in a specific manner, especially such that
they essentially mutually compensate each other and/or such that a
local lifting off of the treatment element from the surface of the
vehicle is reduced or avoided. The respective separate and
different specification of a speed of rotation for the brush
segments may also cause in itself or contribute to a reduction or
avoidance of a local lifting off of the treatment element from the
surface of the vehicle.
[0161] According to another preferred embodiment, which can be used
in itself or in any combination with the aforementioned actions,
the treatment element may be able to be controlled or may be
controlled such that a speed change and/or a reversal of the
rotation direction takes place at the two or more brush segments
(53, 54) sequentially during a washing process. Prior-art side
washing brushes, which have only a single brush segment or at least
two identical or jointly driven brush segments, tend to vibrate
during the treatment process and especially in the feeding position
at the vehicle, and this vibration is directed essentially at right
angles to the surface of the vehicle to be treated. Thus, an at
least local lifting off of the brush may also be triggered at the
time of the reversal of the rotation direction or of a change in
the speed of rotation, which may likewise lead to an impairment of
the treatment result.
[0162] The above-mentioned parasitic effects are reduced or avoided
by the sequential change in the speed of rotation and/or of the
rotation direction of two or more brush segments (53, 54). In
particular, a more uniform kinetic characteristic of the side
washing brush and/or an optimized treatment result can be
achieved.
[0163] The above-mentioned advantages of a separate control or
regulation of the rotary movements of at least two brush segments
at a side washing brush can arise especially in case of a bent
brush, i.e., in case of a side washing brush, which has at least
one first brush segment (53), a second brush segment (54) and a
center-pivot hinge (15) arranged between them. Moreover, the side
washing brush may have at least one additional brush segment, which
can preferably likewise be driven separately, and possibly an
additional center-pivot hinge. The bent brush may be mounted
pivotably about at least one axis in the area of the suspension and
possibly have at least one pivot drive, which brings about a
controlled pivoting out of the side washing brush in relation to
the vertical direction in the longitudinal direction of the
vehicle, and/or at least one pivot drive, which brings about a
controlled pivoting out of the side washing brush in relation to
the vertical direction in the transverse direction of the
vehicle.
[0164] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described in detail to illustrate the application of the
principles of the invention, it will be understood that the
invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such
principles.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0165] 1 Washing installation drive [0166] 2 Drive motor/washing
installation drive motor/synchronous motor/brushless DC motor
[0167] 3 Internal rotor [0168] 4 External rotor [0169] 5 Hollow
shaft [0170] 6 Power supply/common power supply [0171] 7 Modular
drive unit [0172] 8 Cavity [0173] 9 First opening/Dorsal opening
[0174] 10 Second opening/Distal opening [0175] 11 Rotary position
detection device [0176] 12 Media supply [0177] 13 Mechanical
control device [0178] 14 Apparatus constituent part [0179] 15
Center-pivot hinge [0180] 16 Fastening device/screw [0181] 17
Flange area/flange ring/flange plate/bearing flange [0182] 18
Flange area/flange ring/flange plate/power take-off flange [0183]
19 Flange area/flange ring/flange plate/bearing flange [0184] 20
Motor winding [0185] 21 Permanent magnets [0186] 22 Hall
sensor/Hall measurement [0187] 23 Cylindrical outer contour [0188]
30 Carrier tube [0189] 31 Brush tube [0190] 32 Flanged tube [0191]
33 Washing liquid applicator [0192] 34 Drive roller [0193] 35
Housing [0194] 36 Mounting body [0195] 37 Washing liquid passage
[0196] 38 Bent drive [0197] 39 Rail [0198] 40 Traveling trolley
[0199] 41 Cascade [0200] 42 Main terminal [0201] 43 Auxiliary
terminal [0202] 50 Treatment element [0203] 51 Treatment brush
[0204] 52 Side washing brush [0205] 53 Brush segment [0206] 54
Brush segment [0207] 55 Roof brush [0208] 56 Disk-shaped treatment
brush/wheel brush/wheel washing brush [0209] 57 Drying device
[0210] 58 Blower [0211] 59 Installation control [0212] 60 Treatment
installation/Washing installation/Vehicle treatment installation
[0213] 61 Portal/Basic body [0214] 62 Column/Portal column [0215]
63 Portal cross arm [0216] 65 Feeding device [0217] 66 Orientation
device [0218] 67 Cascade head [0219] 68 Traveling mechanism [0220]
69 Running rail [0221] 70 Vehicle [0222] 71 Vehicle wheel [0223] 72
Rim [0224] A Rotation axis/Axial direction [0225] D Current rotary
position
* * * * *